That kind of thinking makes his old man proud. “I’ve always supported him because his foundation is right,” says Reverend Richard Butler Sr. But aside from his “just say no” mantra — perhaps a product of growing up a preacher’s son — there’s a lot more you should know about Rico Love.
You’ve probably heard him showing off on the frantic pop single “Settle Down,” from the soundtrack to Usher’s movie In the Mix. He’s the first artist to catch shine on Usher’s US Records. But before that, Rico Love was earning checks as the pen behind R&B joints like Marques Houston’s “All Because of You,” Usher’s “Throwback,” and B5’s “You Got Me.” “When I first got signed, I wasn’t getting any money,” he recalls. “I asked Usher what I needed to do. He was like, ‘Write a song for me.’ The rest is history.” Believe it or not, coming up under the multiplatinum-selling singer has improved Love’s rap game. “When I started writing R&B, it taught me how to create better rap records,” says Love. “Usher knows more about hip hop than people think.” And the proof is in Love’s debut, The Fifth Element. His rich swagger, catchy hooks, and teeny- pop palatability are custom made for the airwaves and club rocking.
Love’s main focus, however, is to deliver a positive message to listeners. “I want people to appreciate wealth but understand you don’t have to kill somebody to get that,” he says. “As an artist, if I don’t let people know that, then the blood is on my hands.” And that isn’t fresh or clean.
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Comments
1.
carl adams says:
wat up lil rich......u prolly dont remember me. but its carl from way back in coeymans when u used to stay wit ur dad in upstate ny... ne way wow son you really "ballin" and its good to see you blowin up son i cant wait to get ur cd im a deff buy it. also i didnt get a chance to thank your father for coming all the way from nyc to my grandmothers funeral. tell him i said thanks a lot from the whole family...keep up the good music and i like the message in ur rhymes...its wat the rap game needs ...stay up son pz carl!
January 6, 2007 at 6:41 pm
2.
Cofa Boy says:
Im originally from Atlanta, But I recently did a show with Rico Love in Milwaukee at the Summer Fest! He went on and killed it then I came on an act after him and blesses the stage. Keep up the good work Rico, I'll see ya in the streetz in The "A"!
December 30, 2006 at 4:32 pm
3.
Amos says:
I went to High School with Rico and he always was dancing or writing songs and I could not be more happier for him. Merry Christmas
Amos
December 23, 2006 at 3:06 am
4.
Mr. Jenkins says:
Man we really apprciate what you are doing for the city too, thanks.
December 19, 2006 at 5:13 pm
5.
Danielle Owens says:
Mr. Rico Love
Just had to let you know I'm loving your music...Keep it up and I'll keep listening!
December 6, 2006 at 12:49 pm